So I'm still struggling with trying to make this PTZ serve dual purpose at night as well as it does in daytime (which is excellent), but I'm finding the limits of the 1/2.8" sensor coupled with 4MP just isnt up to the task.
Let me be clear, if you don't need it to do LPR AND something else at night in B&W with IR it's awesome. I'm really stretching the capabilities wanting BOTH LPR at night (via help from a spotter cam) AND overview human coverage.
Thats simply not possible at night with any camera using IR due to the very different exposure settings needed for LPR and Overview.
But, I have found an option I'm playing with keeping it in color at night and achieving both.
Now I've found at night in color one needs a minimum of 1/120 exposure. Problem is this camera 4MP/coupled with the 1/2,8" sensor just isnt up to the task in most lighting conditions for color at night, (wish I had the night lighting
@ljw2k has)
But by playing with Gain and iris controls, I'm getting closer... its noisy, but well, adequate.
I really need the same camera with the 1/18" sensor Andy referenced above which is really what is needed for good nighttime color 4MP video IMHO
Overview
It has a hard time focusing with 1/120 exposure in my weak lighting conditions, but eventually gets a 'good enough" lock
View attachment HOA Entr_ch1_20201219193501_20201219193547.mp4
LPR
And because of the streetlight, I can get 90% on LPR on exiting vehicles. Noisy, but adequate
View attachment HOA Entr_ch1_20201219214010_20201219214024.mp4
Which results in these two money shots